By: Peter Stephens | Updated: 20th November 2020.
By: Peter Stephens | Updated: 22nd October, 2019.
If you're looking for a simple, everyday credit card that you can take abroad without worrying about extra fees, then the B Credit Card may be a good match.
The B Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees or annual fee. This makes it a great potential travel companion, since non-sterling card fees can add up even for infrequent travellers. And while you’re better served paying down your credit card balance, this card also stands out for its low interest rate.
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The B Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees or annual fee. This makes it a great potential travel companion, since non-sterling card fees can add up even for infrequent travellers. While you’re better served paying down your credit card balance, this card also stands out for its low interest rate.
I have been writing for The Motley Fool since 2013, and have experienced the booms and busts of the UK economy for a number of decades both as an investor and a consumer. I have held various senior management positions during my career, while also setting up my own manufacturing company in 1996. It was subsequently sold in 2007. I have a keen interest in consumer finance, as well as in the stock market.
For use as a travel card, the B Credit Card is very appealing. Its lack of foreign transaction fees means that consumers could save significant sums of money versus using a non-travel credit card with a non-sterling transaction fee. The B Credit Card’s lack of an annual fee helps to broaden its appeal to a variety of consumers, many of whom may only travel internationally on an infrequent basis. The card’s lack of a balance transfer fee may also mean that consumers with existing debts are able to reduce their interest payments, depending on the rate they are offered versus the rate they are currently paying.
With the card lacking rewards or cashback, there may be better opportunities elsewhere for consumers who repay their credit card in full each month; this could be through having a rewards card as a primary card for day-to-day spending in the UK, while using the B Credit Card solely for travel purposes. Having no introductory offers available also means that other cards may be more appealing, depending on an individual’s personal circumstances.
Applications for the card can be made online, with the process of completing the online form taking around 15 minutes according to the company’s website.
As with all credit cards, the advertised interest rates are representative. This means that the advertised rate must be offered, by law, to at least 51% of successful applicants. The remaining applicants may receive a different rate. Therefore, particularly for individuals who are considering undertaking a balance transfer or who may not pay off their balance in full each month, it is worth bearing in mind that a higher interest rate may be offered.
Applicants for the card must be aged at least 18, be resident in the UK and must not currently hold a B credit card. They must also not have applied for a B credit card or Gold Mastercard (which is a different credit card provided by the same issuer as the B credit card) in the last 60 days. Similarly, individuals who are currently bankrupt or who have had any county court judgements (CCJs) in the last three years are ineligible for the card.
When applying for the card, applicants should have information such as their monthly salary before tax, monthly outgoings, bank details and information about other credit cards available.
Due to its lack of foreign transaction fees, the B Credit Card could be appealing for anyone who plans to travel abroad. The savings it offers from not having a non-sterling transaction fee for purchases could be significant. Its lack of an annual fee means that it could be attractive to a broad range of consumers who travel internationally – from frequent travellers to those who travel rarely. The lack of a balance transfer fee and a low standard APR helps to differentiate the card versus its rivals and may help to lower the interest costs for individuals who have existing credit card debt elsewhere.
A lack of rewards or cashback means that consumers may be able to maximise their benefits when spending in the UK to a greater extent through using a rewards or cashback card. As a result, the B Credit Card may be worth having as a travel option rather than for everyday use in the UK. A lack of introductory offers in a competitive credit card marketplace also means that there may be more compelling opportunities available elsewhere, depending on an individual’s’ personal circumstances.
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